| Place | Middle East: Iraq |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL32486.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Physical description | Canvas, Metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Yugoslavia |
| Date made | 1985 |
| Conflict |
Iraq, 2003-2013 |
Haversack for Type-59 Iraqi gas mask
Description
Grey-green canvas haversack with cotton webbing straps. The flap closure is secured by three quick release clips and is stamped in black 'S XI-1985'. The right front of the haversack has blue Arabic script, as does the back of the bag. The rear exterior surface is also marked in yellow paint '(IV)'.
History / Summary
Canvas haversack used to store the Type M-59 Iraqi gas mask (REL32486.001). During the reign of Saddam Hussein the Iraqi armed forces bought military technology and equipment from all over the world but also manufactured their own equipment of both indigenous and imported designs. The haversack and mask were collected in Iraq by the Royal Australian Air Force during Operation Catalyst, the Australian Defence Force contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Operation Catalyst commenced on 16 July 2003. Working with the Interim Iraqi Government, the ADF contributed to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assisted in national recovery programs.